DCHS Dedicates “Dylan Kleparek Coach K Soccer Field” (View video here)

October 11, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

A brief dedication observance was held Monday evening at the “Dylan Kleparek Coach K Soccer Field” at DeKalb County High School. It comes almost a year after the Board of Education named the field for the legendary Tiger and Lady Tiger soccer coach.

Coach K, as he is affectionately known, helped start the high school soccer program 40 seasons ago (combined boys and girls seasons) and has been it’s only head coach for both boys and girls teams (spring and fall) since.

“I am so blessed to have such a great community, group of fans, friends, and family that all support me so much. It’s a little embarrassing. I’m not the type of person who likes to make a big deal about myself but its such an honor to have this field. It will last forever and that means a lot to leave a legacy,” said Coach K.

In addition to his years of coaching, Kleparek is also a veteran teacher with 21 years in the classroom and all of that time has been in DeKalb County.

“I was lucky enough to get a job straight out of college here and my first year I coached football the first semester, and then the principal asked me to start a soccer team. We didn’t have a girls team the first fall. It seems like its gone by really fast but at the same time we have come a long way from a pair of basketball shorts and some baseball socks and a tee shirt that started our uniforms to now we have our own field and practice field. It’s a nice big program with some great kids, parents, and people supporting it,” Coach K continued.

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps commended Coach K for his dedication and commitment to the DCHS Soccer Program and the student athletes.

“I have said many times that coaches get to forge relationships with their players that a lot of people never see or understand because they spend so much time with them on the practice field, bus trips, etc.. Coach K has established those kinds of relationships. A testament to that is a lot of former players have come back today to share this moment with him. We are proud of him. Coach K has made this program succeed and although he has had help along the way with great parents and boosters its his dedication to the kids every day that has made it special,” said Director Cripps.

Last November former Board of Education member Kate Miller made the motion to name the new soccer field for Coach K saying at the time that the tribute was fitting. The motion was adopted by the board.

“Over four years ago this board voted to build a soccer field at DCHS. Prior to that these teams had no field of their own. They had to use the football field or practice field. I am pleased to report that after many hours of hard work and lots of people involved, we have a soccer field and it is beautiful even though it is not completely done. Without a doubt the soccer field and program would not be where it is today without the work and dedication of Coach K. He was instrumental in starting the program. He has been the only high school coach of the girls and boys teams and has been involved in the community in the rec league program. If you know or have ever played for Coach K you know how competitive he is. He always wants to win and hates to lose and he coaches his players this way. But first and foremost he coaches his players to be good students, good people, and respectful individuals. Tonight I would like to make a motion that we name the soccer field the Dylan Kleparek Coach K Soccer Field,” said Kate Miller last November.

October 10, 2022
By: Bill Conger

Some of the best students at DeKalb West were honored recently with induction into the local chapter of the National Jr. Beta Club.

Selected as club officers were the following: President Ethan Brown, Olivia George, Vice President; Miah Johnson, Secretary; Hannah Brown, Chaplain, Raegan Murphy, reporter; 7th grade representative, Sophie Desimone and 6th grade representative, Gabe Blair. They were recognized in a special candlelight ceremony Thursday (October 6) in the school’s gym.

President Ethan Brown welcomed the newest Junior Beta members and presented them with certificates signifying their prestigious accomplishment. 6th grade students selected to join were Gabe Blair, Adam Brown, Adonis Cooprider, Levi Cripps, Bella Gonzalez, Mia Hall, MaKenna Lomas, Halia McDaniel, Kaden Mullinax, Kate Pistole, and Kaylee Womack.

“I am proud of these students for working hard for our school and our community,” DWS Lead Junior Club Sponsor Jessica Antoniak said. “They have already shown great leadership this school year and are great examples for everyone in our school.’

Students are invited to join the club when they have an A/B grade average and exhibit excellent character.

October 10, 2022
By: Dwayne Page

If it’s time for your motor vehicle registration renewal, County Clerk James L (Jimmy) Poss urges you to get it taken care of soon.

Those renewing will be issued a newly designed state license plate to replace the one you have had.

“Traditionally, registrations can be renewed up to 90 days of the expiration date. As long as you are within that 90-day period, typically you can go ahead and renew that registration. Beginning January 1, 2022 when the state made the change from the green mountain plate to the blue plate they made us stick to a 30-day renewal window because of the slow plate production and low supply. Now as we are approaching the end of the year, supplies have picked up so anyone who still has the green mountain plate and needs to switch to the blue plate with a registration renewal in October, November, or December may do so now. Just stop by the office to get your new plate,” said Poss.

License plates are issued through Tennessee’s local county clerk offices. Motorists can visit www.tncountyclerk.com to renew online. New plates can be renewed in person, online, by mail, or by kiosk. If you choose not to renew in person, the renewal fee will include $5 for mailing.

Meanwhile if you have failed to renew your registration prior to expiration, Poss said its imperative that you get that done as soon as possible.

“I am still seeing several people come in from July, August, September. If you are still operating with a standard Tennessee plate, make sure to update. Get the plate you need because everyone must have the new plate by December 31,” added County Clerk Poss.

Meanwhile a partial state fee waiver remains in effect through June 30, 2023 on the registration renewals of vehicles. The typical renewal fee is $29 for Class B vehicles but with the waiver, the fee is currently $5.25.

According to the law, the state has waived the state registration fees for Class A and Class B motor vehicles upon the renewal of the motor vehicle’s registration if the renewal occurs after July 1, 2022 and before June 30, 2023. Plates expiring before or after this period will be subject to the ordinary registration fee. Class A includes motorcycles and autocycles and Class B includes passenger motor vehicles and motor homes. The state portion of the fee that is waived under this law is ordinarily $16.75 for Class A and $23.75 for Class B. Other fees that are earmarked for safety and system improvement purposes, as well as the electric vehicle registration fees and county fees are not waived.

Drivers who need to renew expired license plates should check with their local county clerk to see which fees still apply.

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